WonderCon announces programming schedule for February 2009

San Diego, recently announced its line-up of programming for the three-day weekend from Friday, February 27 though Sunday, March 1, in San Francisco, California.

The programming schedule reveals many exclusive movie and television presentations at WonderCon, along with an incredible roster of comics-oriented events.

“We have an amazing relationship with Hollywood,” said David Glanzer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for WonderCon and Comic-Con. “And that relationship is why, once again, WonderCon has been chosen as the convention to present some of the most anticipated projects for film and television along with stars from those projects to the public.”

Among the many events scheduled for the WonderCon weekend, the convention kicks off on Friday with a special presentation of the new animated television series Sit Down, Shut Up with actors Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), and Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants).

Actress Virginia Madsen (Sideways) and producer Bruce Timm lead a panel discussion after the premiere screening of the animated DVD release Wonder Woman. This panel also features an exclusive sneak peak at the next animated film, featuring Green Lantern.

One of the most anticipated comic book films of 2009—Watchmen— will have a special presentation at WonderCon as director Zack Snyder leads a special program along with members of the cast on Saturday. Also on Saturday, fans of the beloved anime favorite Astro Boy will be treated to a special presentation of the all-new feature film version by Summit Entertainment, along with a look at the new film, Knowing, starring Nicolas Cage.

Robert Patrick (T-2, The Unit), Eric McCormack (Free Enterprise, Will & Grace, Trust Me), Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years, The Spirit), and Jenni Baird (The 4400) make a special WonderCon appearance as they discuss their new film Alien Trespass.

If Watchmen is the most anticipated comics film of the year, Star Trek is the most anticipated science fiction film of the year. Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment have chosen WonderCon as the only convention to feature an advance look at this exciting feature along with a very special surprise guest.

Terminator Salvation, the brand-new start for one of the most explosive movie franchises ever, will have its own panel at WonderCon. In addition to showing footage from the upcoming movie, the film’s director, McG, will be joined by cast members live on stage.

Lucasfilm will feature an exclusive Star Wars panel, also on Saturday, and their popular presentation, “Last Fan Film Standing” on Friday night.

Television is also well represented as Chuck makes its first appearance at WonderCon with stars Yvonne Strahovski and Zachary Levi on hand to answer questions on Sunday

In addition to the new Terminator feature being well represented at the show, the television version also appears at WonderCon. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles will have its own panel along with special guests in attendance on Sunday

Harper’s Island, the new 13-episode murder mystery series will screen the unseen pilot for WonderCon attendees along with cast members.

In addition to all of these incredible movie and television programs, WonderCon features an exciting schedule full of comics-oriented panels and events, all weekend long, showcasing some of the top talent in the comic book industry.

Last year saw a huge increase in attendance for the three-day convention, while still maintaining that great feeling of intimacy for which WonderCon is famous. More and more people are recognizing that the show is more than a regional event, WonderCon has become a nationally recognized comics convention that has attracted a wide array of not only attendees, but exhibitors and professional participants as well. In fact, some now refer to WonderCon as Comic-Con: San Francisco.

WonderCon is operated by Comic-Con International, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

For more information on WonderCon or Comic-con, please visit www.comic-con.org.